Method of preventing photo-aging with ashwagandha and indian gooseberry

ABSTRACT

A method of preventing photo-aging and its related causes includes administering a therapeutic composition comprising extracts of the plant species ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera ) and Indian gooseberry ( Phyllanthus emblica ). A composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberry may: (1) lower cortisol and increase DHEA, (2) prevent free radical-induced photoaging, (3) inhibit collagenase activity in vitro, (4) inhibit hyaluronidase activity in vitro, (5) display superior cascading antioxidant activity, (6) reduce C-reactive protein, and (7) enhance mood.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/604,092, filed Oct. 22, 2009, and titled “Composition of Ashwagandhaand Indian Gooseberry,” which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. This application also claims the benefit of priority of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/107,573, filed Oct. 22, 2008,and titled “Composition of Ashwagandha and Indian Gooseberry,” which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of botanical drugsor dietary supplements related to skin-care and/or emotional well-being.In particular, the present invention is directed to an improved healthcomposition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberry.

BACKGROUND

Multiple factors cause accelerated aging of the skin. Prolonged periodsof stress result in hormonal changes and restricted nutrient flow to theskin which can lead to a person physically aging right before our eyes.Environmental stressors like UV light and chemical pollutants, as wellas regular metabolic activity, create destructive enzymes and freeradicals in the body. These break down skin-strengthening collagen andskin-hydrating hyaluronic acid, leading to the fine lines, wrinkles, anddry, sagging skin associated with an aged appearance.

The mind-skin connection is strong. So strong in fact that there is aburgeoning field in dermatology referred to as “psychodermatology” thataddresses how an individual's emotional state affects skin health andappearance. Irritability, a negative outlook and other feelingsresulting from stress can contribute to aging of the skin throughphysiological processes similar to how stress affects the rest of thebody.

Chronic, emotional stress is a major contributor to accelerated aging,having widespread ramifications throughout the body due in large part tohormonal changes that occur in response to the stress. When the body isunder chronic stress, cortisol levels in the blood rise anddehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels fall. Associated with thesehormonal changes is a reduction in feelings of well-being such asincreased anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. The combination ofhormonal and emotional changes puts strain on an assortment of bodytissues, including the skin, leading to signs of premature aging.

Current natural products have limited effectiveness against the manycauses of premature skin aging and therefore generally do notsubstantially improve the skin and the emotional state of the persontaking the product.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one exemplary aspect a method of preventing photoaging comprisesadministering to a human a therapeutic composition for internalconsumption comprising a synergistically effective combination ofextracts of Phyllanthus emblica and Withania somnifera wherein saidPhyllanthus emblica and said Withania somnifera are present in thecomposition in a weight ratio of about 1:7 Phyllanthus emblica toWithania somnifera to a weight ratio of about 7:1 Phyllanthus emblica toWithania somnifera.

In another exemplary aspect a method of preventing photoaging bylimiting free radical creation comprises administering to a human atherapeutic composition for internal consumption comprising asynergistically effective combination of extracts of Phyllanthus emblicaand Withania somnifera wherein said Phyllanthus emblica and saidWithania somnifera are present in the composition in a weight ratio ofabout 1:7 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio ofabout 7:1 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera.

In yet another exemplary aspect a method of prevent photoaging bylimiting free radical creation in a human comprises providing an extractof Phyllanthus emblica, providing an extract of Withania somnifera,combining the extract of Phyllanthus emblica and the extract of Withaniasomnifera in a weight ratio of about 1:7 Phyllanthus emblica to Withaniasomnifera to a weight ratio of about 7:1 Phyllanthus emblica to Withaniasomnifera so as to create a synergistically effective combination of theextracts, and adding the combination of extracts to a beverage,nutritional product, or food product for ingestion by the human.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show aspectsof one or more embodiments of the invention. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a graph of the number of relative fluorescence units over timefor three different inhibition data sets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An improved health composition is provided that includes a combinationof ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthusemblica). In one example, the improved health composition may be capableof being ingested by a human. In such an example, one or more of thehealth benefits discussed herein attributable to an improved healthcomposition having ashwagandha and Indian gooseberry may be attainablethrough the ingestion of the composition by a human.

Capable of being ingested by a human may include, but is not limited to,the inclusion of an improved health composition of the presentdisclosure in a beverage (e.g., hot, cold, etc.). Ingestion of animproved health composition of the present disclosure may also befacilitated, for example, by including a combination of ashwagandha andIndian gooseberry as described herein in a nutritional product (e.g., asoup, a vitamin enriched granola bar, a nutritional bar, whole grainbread), a dietary supplement, a food product (e.g., hot, cold, etc.), aconfectionary, an oil, a meal replacement, a cereal, a baked good, acandy, a gum, a lozenge, and any combinations thereof.

Ashwagandha is a naturally occurring substance from the Withaniasomnifera plant. In one example, it is utilized in a composition asdescribed herein in the form of an extract. Various methods forextracting botanical extracts are known to those of ordinary skill. Inone example, Ashwagandha as used in one or more exemplary composition asdescribed herein includes an ashwagandha extract prepared according toone or more methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,092 toGhosal, entitled “Withania Somnifera Composition, Method For ObtainingSame And Pharmaceutical, Nutritional And Personal Care FormulationsThereof”, the descriptions of which are is incorporated herein byreference in their entirety. In another example, an improved healthcomposition includes Ashwagandha extract according to one or more of theexamples set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,092 to Ghosal, entitled“Withania Somnifera Composition”, the descriptions of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In another example,Ashwagandha as used in one or more exemplary compositions as describedherein is an ashwagandha extract prepared according to one or moremethodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,198 to Ghosal, entitled“Withania Somnifera Composition”, the descriptions of which are isincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Indian gooseberry is a naturally occurring substance from thePhyllanthus emblica plant. In one example, it is utilized in acomposition as described herein in the form of an extract. Variousmethods for extracting botanical extracts are known to those of ordinaryskill. In one example, an improved health composition includes Indiangooseberry extract according to one or more of the examples set forth inU.S. Pat. No. 6,362,167 to Ghosal, entitled “Method Of Blocking FreeRadical Processes Which Result In Mediated Pathology Without DeleteriousPro-oxidant Side Reactions”, the descriptions of which are isincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In another example,as used in one or more exemplary composition as described hereinincludes an Indian gooseberry extract prepared according to one or moremethodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,167 to Ghosal, entitled“Method Of Blocking Free Radical Processes Which Result In MediatedPathology Without Deleterious Pro-oxidant Side Reactions”, thedescriptions of which are is incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. In another example, an improved health composition includesIndian gooseberry extract according to one or more of the examples setforth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,996 to Ghosal, entitled “Method ofInhibiting Blood Platelet Aggregation”, the descriptions of which are isincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In another example,as used in one or more exemplary composition as described herein is anIndian gooseberry extract prepared according to one or moremethodologies set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,996 to Ghosal, entitled“Method of Inhibiting Blood Platelet Aggregation”, the descriptions ofwhich are is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Inanother example, Indian gooseberry as used in one or more exemplarycomposition as described herein includes an Indian gooseberry extractprepared according to one or more methodologies set forth in U.S. Pat.No. 6,124,268 to Ghosal, entitled “Natural Antioxidant Compositions,Method For Obtaining Same And Cosmetic, Pharmaceutical, And NutritionalFormulations Thereof”, the descriptions of which are is incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety. In one example, an improvedhealth composition includes Indian gooseberry extract according to oneor more of the examples set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,268 to Ghosal,entitled “Natural Antioxidant Compositions, Method For Obtaining SameAnd Cosmetic, Pharmaceutical, And Nutritional Formulations Thereof”, thedescriptions of which are is incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

In another example, an improved health composition includes about 60 wt.% ashwagandha to about 65 wt. % ashwagandha and about 35 wt. % Indiangooseberry to about 40 wt. % Indian gooseberry. This compositionachieves one or more of the benefits disclosed herein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weigh to weight ratio of about 1:7 to about7:1. This composition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosedherein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weight to weight ratio of about 6:2 to about2:6. This composition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosedherein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weight to weight ratio of about 6:2 to about2:2. This composition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosedherein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weight to weight ratio of about 6:2 to about3:5. This composition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosedherein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weight to weight ratio of about 6:2 to about4:4. This composition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosedherein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes 60 wt. %ashwagandha to 65 wt. % ashwagandha and 35 wt. % Indian gooseberry to 40wt. % Indian gooseberry. This composition achieves one or more of thebenefits disclosed herein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weigh to weight ratio of 1:7 to 7:1. Thiscomposition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosed herein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weight to weight ratio of 6:2 to 2:6. Thiscomposition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosed herein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weight to weight ratio of 6:2 to 3:5. Thiscomposition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosed herein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weight to weight ratio of 6:2 to 2:2. Thiscomposition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosed herein.

In another example, an improved health composition includes ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry in a weight to weight ratio of 6:2 to 4:4. Thiscomposition achieves one or more of the benefits disclosed herein.

Aging of the skin is caused by a variety of factors. Intrinsic factorsinclude secretion of stress hormones and toxic by-products of normalchemical reactions that take place within cells of the body. Whenhormones are released in response to stress, delivery of blood to dermaltissues is reduced. Normally, blood carries oxygen, water, and othervital nutrients to the body's surface and removes wastes. If this flowis impaired, the skin can weaken, become dry, and display unevenskintones. An improved health composition of ashwagandha, Withaniasomnifera, and Indian gooseberry, Phyllanthus emblica, according to thecurrent disclosure may boost resistance to premature aging. In oneexample, boosting of resistance to premature aging may be due toreducing a person's intrinsic negative response to stress, resulting inincreased blood flow to the skin and improved dermal strength,hydration, and tone. In another example, boosting of resistance topremature aging may be due to one or more of the following: reducingserum cortisol, inhibiting enzymes that break down collagen andhyaluronic acid, and/or quenching free radicals with a long-lasting“cascading” antioxidant effect.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may provide advanced skin healthrejuvenation. In one example, providing advanced skin healthrejuvenation may be influenced by protecting the body from free radicaldamage after exposure to environmental (extrinsic) aging factors likethe sun's rays (UV light) and the toxic chemicals present in cigarettesmoke and air pollution. Exposure to the aforementioned factors mayresult in the formation of unstable, highly reactive, electron-deficientfree radical molecules, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) andreactive nitrogen species (RNS). Oxidative stress may occur when theseelectron-deficient free radicals become stable by stealing electronsfrom (i.e., oxidizing) neighboring molecules, initiating a chainreaction that destabilizes and destroys important dermal matrixcomponents. An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indiangooseberry according to the current disclosure may limit free radicaldamage. In one example, free radical damage may be reduced by preventingfree radical formation and/or by displaying free radical quenchingantioxidant activity.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may also promote the health andappearance of the skin. In one example, health and appearance of theskin may be promoted by limiting free radical formation and/or byproviding antioxidative protection of dermal components after freeradicals form. Collagen is the predominant protein in the dermalextracellular matrix. When free radicals attack and destroy collagen orchange its structure, the skin loses its ability to maintain elasticityand firmness resulting in the formation of lines, wrinkles and saggingskin. Free radicals also attack cellular lipids, DNA, and protein,causing impairment of cell function and eventual cell death.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may present a multi-functionaldermal defense system. In one example, a multi-functional dermal defensesystem may do two or more of the following: (1) lower cortisol andincreases DHEA, (2) prevents free radical-induced photoaging, (3)inhibit collagenase activity in vitro, (4) inhibit hyaluronidaseactivity in vitro, (5) display superior cascading antioxidant activity,(6) reduce C-reactive protein, (7) enhance mood. The following sectionwill describe each of these mechanisms in greater detail.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may promote stress relief and/or apositive mental outlook. Stress not only steals vitality, health andenergy, it is one of the primary intrinsic factors of aging. All partsof the body are negatively affected by stress, including the skin.Stress-induced aging results from secretion of the stress hormonescortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol competes with the antiaging hormonedehydroepi-androsterone, also known as DHEA. In stressed individuals,cortisol levels are elevated and DHEA levels are lowered. Additionally,stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline cause blood vessels toconstrict which reduces vital circulation of blood in dermal tissues.This impedes delivery of oxygen, water, and other vital nutrients to theskin. In one example, the promotion of stress and/or a positive mentaloutlook may lower serum cortisol levels and increase serum DHEA levels.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may prevent photoaging. In oneexample, photoaging may be prevented by stopping or slowing severalprocesses that may cause photoaging, the primary extrinsic factorassociated with premature aging that occurs when skin is exposed to UVlight. Such exposure causes the release of iron ions from theiron-storage protein, ferritin. Unbound iron in the body is dangerousbecause in the presence of hydrogen peroxide it catalyzes the productionof several types of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) inwhat is known as the Fenton Reaction. The resulting oxidative stressleads to degradation of collagen and other dermal proteins, producingthe lines and wrinkles characteristic of photoaging.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may protect the skin from oxidativephotodamage. In one example, protection of the skin from oxidativephotodamage may be accomplished through an ability to fully chelate, orbind, iron ions, thereby preventing both catalysis of the FentonReaction and subsequent photo-induced free radical formation. Thisoccurs without causing iron deficiency in the body because chelated ironis still bioavailable internally.

Most other antioxidants generally do not chelate iron and are generallyactually pro-oxidative under UV conditions (e.g., Vitamin C) because inthe presence of iron they accelerate the Fenton Reaction and freeradical formation. This seems counterintuitive since it is commonlythought that antioxidants reduce free radical damage because of theirability to donate electrons to oxidizing agents that normally wouldsteal them from biological tissues. This is how antioxidants behaveinternally or in the absence of UV light, but when the skin is exposedto UV light available electrons in antioxidants are donated to releasediron thereby recycling it for use in the Fenton Reaction. It is believedthat an improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may not display any significantpro-oxidative properties. In one example, non-display of any significantpro-oxidative properties may be due to the improved health composition'siron chelation property that may eliminate the Fenton Reaction.

Generally, exposure of the skin to UV light results in the production bydermal fibroblast cells of naturally occurring, matrix-degradingmetalloproteases (MMPs), which enzymatically break down proteins in thedermal extracellular matrix. MMPs with the most influence on the agingprocess are collagenases, which break down collagen fibers. Collagenmakes up 75-80% of the dermal matrix by weight and is the chiefcomponent that adds strength, durability, and elasticity to the skinowing to its high tensile strength and intramolecular bonding thatstabilizes the molecule. Collagen molecules that lie closely to oneanother are also chemically bonded together via covalent cross-linkages,further adding to the strength of the collagen fibrillar meshwork thatholds the dermis together. Within hours of exposure to UV light,collagenase activity in the skin increases, disrupting this meshwork bybreaking down the collagen molecules that form its infrastructure.Degradation of this kind over an extended period of time leads to lossof skin tone and the fine lines and wrinkles associated with photoaging.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may promote more youthful lookingskin. In one example, promotion of more youthful looking skin may beachieved by preventing the breakdown of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronidaseinhibition may be an important contributor to skin health becausehyaluronic acid, which is degraded by hyaluronidase, a non-proteincomponent of the skin that is responsible for adding volume andmoisture, and giving skin a supple, plump-looking appearance. Hyaluronicacid is located in the amorphous ground substance, which surrounds andcements together collagen fibers in the extracellular space betweendermal fibroblasts, and also in the epidermis. Classified as aglycosaminoglycan, hyaluronic acid has chemical properties that attractand bind hundreds of times its weight in water.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may possess a “cascading”antioxidant activity. In one example, cascading antioxidant activity maybe achieved through aggressively scavenging free radicals that form inother ways. In another example, cascading antioxidant activity may beachieved through a continuous recycle of antioxidants and therefore mayremain active over a longer period of time for increased antioxidantactivity. Free radicals form in the body due to intrinsic naturalprocesses such as electron transport associated with mitochondrialactivity and immune function. They are also produced when the body isexposed to such extrinsic factors as chemical pollution or cigarettesmoke.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may promote and maintain a healthyresponse to inflammation. In one example, a promotion and maintenance ofa healthy response to inflammation may be due to reducing levels ofC-Reactive Protein, serum cortisol and/or increasing serum DHEA.C-Reactive Protein is a marker of systemic inflammation in the body thatresults from cellular injury triggered by environmental or geneticfactors. Inflammation can affect skin health and aging through theappearance of redness, flushing, irritation as well as other skinconditions.

An improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberryaccording to the current disclosure may have the ability to enhancemood. In one example, an enhanced mood may be due to increasingresistance to stress, promoting a positive mental outlook, and/orenhancing feelings of well-being. The mind-skin connection is strong. Sostrong in fact that there is a burgeoning field in dermatology referredto as “psychodermatology” that addresses how an individual's emotionalstate affects skin health and appearance. Irritability, a negativeoutlook and other feelings resulting from stress can contribute to agingof the skin through physiological processes similar to how stressaffects the rest of the body.

In one exemplary aspect, an exemplary composition as described hereinprovides improved inhibition of collagenases. In another example, acomposition including ashwagandha and Indian gooseberry according tothis disclosure provides a synergistic inhibition of collagenases.

In another exemplary aspect, an exemplary composition as describedherein provides improved inhibition of hyaluronidase. In anotherexample, an improved health composition including ashwagandha and Indiangooseberry according to this disclosure provides a synergisticinhibition of hyaluronidase.

In yet another exemplary aspect, an exemplary composition as describedherein provides improved inhibition of iron chelation. In anotherexample, an improved health composition including ashwagandha and Indiangooseberry according to the disclosure provides a synergistic promotionof iron chelation.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLES Example 1

An example improved health composition was prepared using:

Ashwagandha

Indian Gooseberry

in a ratio of 5:3 weight to weight (w:w).

An example composition having Indian gooseberry extract withoutAshwgandha provided an inhibition of UV-induced collagenase synthesis by39% in an ex vivo model using human skin fibroblasts. An exampleimproved health composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberry wasthen prepared according to Example 1. This example composition displayed50% activity inhibition of the primary collagenases in the skin,collagenases Type I and Type IV. FIG. 1 illustrates a plot 100 ofrelative fluorescence unit (RFU) values over time for three samples. Thetop plot line 104 represents inhibition data for a control. The middleplot line 108 represents inhibition data for a composition according toExample 1 (4 mg/mL). The bottom plot line 112 represents inhibition datafor 0.1 mM 1,10-phenanthroline.

Collagenases, part of a class of matrix-degrading metalloproteases(MMPs), break down collagen fibers. Collagen makes up 75-80% of thedermal matrix by weight and is the chief component that adds strength,durability, and elasticity to the skin owing to its high tensilestrength and intramolecular bonding that stabilizes the molecule.Collagen molecules that lie closely to one another are also chemicallybonded together via covalent cross-linkages, further adding to thestrength of the collagen fibrillar meshwork that holds the dermistogether. Within hours of exposure to UV light, collagenase activity inthe skin increases, disrupting this meshwork by breaking down thecollagen molecules that form its infrastructure. Degradation of thiskind over an extended period of time leads to loss of skin tone and thefine lines and wrinkles associated with photoaging. The test resultsindicate likely synergistic activity of the components of Example 1 inproviding high levels of inhibition of collagenase.

Inhibition of Hyaluronidase

Inhibition Assay Results Hyaluronidase Inhibition 86% Inhibition @1:1000 32% Inhibition @ 1:2000 No Inhibition @ 1:3000 No Inhibition @1:4000

An example improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indiangooseberry was prepared according to Example 1. In an in vitro testregularly used by the cosmetics industry to evaluate skincare products,this composition inhibited hyaluronidase activity by 86% at 1:1000 whencompared to a control. This composition provided inhibition ofhyaluronidase activity by 32% inhibition at 1:2000.

Hyaluronidase inhibition is an important contributor to skin health.Hyaluronic acid is degraded by hyaluronidase, a non-protein component ofthe skin that is responsible for adding volume and moisture, and givingskin a supple, plump-looking appearance. Hyaluronic acid is located inthe amorphous ground substance, which surrounds and cements togethercollagen fibers in the extracellular space between dermal fibroblasts,and also in the epidermis. Classified as a glycosaminoglycan, hyaluronicacid has chemical properties that attract and bind hundreds of times itsweight in water. The results of this test suggest a potentialsynergistic activity of the components of Example 1 in inhibition ofhyaluronidase.

Iron Chelation Testing

HORAC (μmole CAE/g) Example Composition 154

An example improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indiangooseberry was prepared according to Example 1. This compositiondisplayed a HORAC value of 154 μmole caffeic acid equivalents/g. Thisvalue is considerably higher than that published for other antioxidantsfound in the literature. For example, blueberry extract has a HORAC of110 units while Vitamin C has a HORAC of 0 units. The unexpectedly highresults of iron chelation are likely due to the synergy of the improvedhealth composition of ashwagandha and Indian gooseberry.

For this test, Caffeic acid was used as the calibration standard and theHORAC result is expressed as μmole Caffeic acid equivalent (CAE) pergram. This test evaluates iron chelation by measuring the degree towhich a sample inhibits the Fenton Reaction, a condition that catalyzesthe production of several types of free radicals and reactive oxygenspecies (ROS). If no chelation occurs, hydroxyl free radicals areformed, oxidizing a fluorescent compound. If a sample chelates iron, itreduces the Fenton Reaction and free radical formation, which in turnleads to reduced oxidation of the fluorescent compound. Chelation ismeasured based on the level of fluorescence given off in the presence ofthe sample compared to a control.

ORAC Testing

ORAC_(hydro) (μmole TE/g) Example Composition 967

An example improved health composition of ashwagandha and Indiangooseberry was prepared according to Example 1. This compositiondisplayed a ORAC_(hydro) value of 967 μmole TE/g. ORAC is a test ofoxygen radical absorbance capacity. A typical ORAC analysis provides ameasure of the scavenging capacity of antioxidants against the peroxylradical, which is one of the most common reactive oxygen species (ROS)found in the body. ORAC_(hydro) reflects water-soluble antioxidantcapacity. Trolox, a water-soluble Vitamin E analog, is used as thecalibration standard the ORAC result is expressed as micromole Troloxequivalent (TE) per gram. The results of the ORAC test show thiscomposition is indicative of cascading antioxidant activity thataggressively scavenges free radicals that form in other ways, therebyprotecting delicate skin tissues from aging-related degradation and mostother antioxidants lack a recycling capability and lose their functionshortly after initiating antioxidant activity. In addition, the highORAC value of 967 μmole Trolox equivalents/g shows that thiscompositions recycling capability allows it to maintain its antioxidantactivity for an extended amount of time and potentially suggests asynergistic activity of the improved health composition of ashwagandhaand Indian gooseberry.

Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed above and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat various changes, omissions and additions may be made to that whichis specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the present invention.

1. A method of preventing photoaging comprising administering to a humana therapeutic composition for internal consumption comprising asynergistically effective combination of extracts of Phyllanthus emblicaand Withania somnifera wherein said Phyllanthus emblica and saidWithania somnifera are present in the composition in a weight ratio ofabout 1:7 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio ofabout 7:1 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said administering limits free radicalcreation.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said Phyllanthusemblica and said Withania somnifera are present in the composition in aweight ratio of about 6:2 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera to aweight ratio of about 2:6 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera. 4.The method according to claim 1, wherein the Phyllanthus emblica andWithania somnifera are present in the composition in a weight ratio ofabout 6:2 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio ofabout 3:5 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the Phyllanthus emblica and Withaniasomnifera are present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 6:2Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio of about 2:2Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera.
 6. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the Phyllanthus emblica and Withania somnifera arepresent in the composition in a weight ratio of about 5:3.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises about 60 wt. %Withania somnifera to about 65 wt. % Withania somnifera and about 35 wt.% Phyllanthus emblica to about 40 wt. % Phyllanthus emblica.
 8. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the administering synergisticallyinhibits collagenases.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein theadministering synergistically inhibits hyaluronidase activity.
 10. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the synergistic combination isincluded in a beverage, nutritional product, or food product.
 11. Amethod of preventing photoaging by limiting free radical creationcomprising administering to a human a therapeutic composition forinternal consumption comprising a synergistically effective combinationof extracts of Phyllanthus emblica and Withania somnifera wherein saidPhyllanthus emblica and said Withania somnifera are present in thecomposition in a weight ratio of about 1:7 Phyllanthus emblica toWithania somnifera to a weight ratio of about 7:1 Phyllanthus emblica toWithania somnifera.
 12. A method according to claim 11, wherein saidadministration synergistically prevents photoaging.
 13. A methodaccording to claim 11, wherein said administration synergisticallychelates iron ions.
 14. A method of preventing photoaging by limitingfree radical creation in a human comprising: providing an extract ofPhyllanthus emblica; providing an extract of Withania somnifera;combining the extract of Phyllanthus emblica and the extract of Withaniasomnifera in a weight ratio of about 1:7 Phyllanthus emblica to Withaniasomnifera to a weight ratio of about 7:1 Phyllanthus emblica to Withaniasomnifera so as to create a synergistically effective combination of theextracts; and adding the combination of extracts to a beverage,nutritional product, or food product for ingestion by the human.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14, wherein said Phyllanthus emblica and saidWithania somnifera are present in the composition in a weight ratio ofabout 6:2 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio ofabout 2:6 Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein the Phyllanthus emblica and Withaniasomnifera are present in the composition in a weight ratio of about 6:2Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio of about 3:5Phyllanthus emblica to Withania somnifera.
 17. The method according toclaim 14, wherein the Phyllanthus emblica and Withania somnifera arepresent in the composition in a weight ratio of about 6:2 Phyllanthusemblica to Withania somnifera to a weight ratio of about 2:2 Phyllanthusemblica to Withania somnifera.
 18. The method according to claim 14,wherein the Phyllanthus emblica and Withania somnifera are present inthe composition in a weight ratio of about 5:3.
 19. The method accordingto claim 14, wherein the composition comprises about 60 wt. % Withaniasomnifera to about 65 wt. % Withania somnifera and about 35 wt. %Phyllanthus emblica to about 40 wt. % Phyllanthus emblica.
 20. Themethod according to claim 14, wherein the combination synergisticallyinhibits collagenases when consumed by the human.
 21. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein the combination synergistically inhibitshyaluronidase activity when consumed by the human.